Carolyn Howard-Johnson's grandson served two tours in Iraq. Her husband is a retired Army officer who served in the 1960s Berlin call up. She writes poetry, fiction and essays that explore the subjects of war, peace and tolerance. She sees a relationship between the three. This is where she gets to nag and rag about making things better in the US and beyond by the simple means of fostering more acceptance in our hearts for our neighbors -- locally as well as globally.

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Quotation:

"Better than a thousand useless words is one word that gives peace." ~ Buddha

Military Writers Society of America Award

Troop Support Giftbook

About Me

Carolyn Howard-Johnson's first novel, This Is the Place, won eight awards. Her second book, Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered, creative nonfiction, won three. Her chapbook of poetry Tracings, was named to the Compulsive Reader's Ten Best Reads list and was given the Military Writers' Society of America's Silver Award of Excellence. An instructor for UCLA Extension's world-renown Writers' Program, her book The Frugal Book Promoter: How to Do What Your Publisher Won't is recommended reading for her classes, and was named USA Book News' "Best Professional Book 2004." It is also an Irwin Award winner. Her second book in the How To Do It Frugally series is The Frugal Editor: Put Your Best Book Forward to Avoid Humiliation and Ensure Success is also a USA Book News award-winner as well as the winner of the Reader View's Literary Award in the publishing category. She is the recipient of both the California Legislature's Woman of the Year in Arts and Entertainment Award and the Glendale American Business Women's Association's Woman of the Year award. Her community's Character and Ethics Committee honored her for promoting tolerance with her writing. She was also named to Pasadena Weekly's list of 14 "San Gabriel Valley women who make life happen." She is a popular speaker and actor. Her website is www.HowToDoItFrugally.com.

Beaufortby Ron Leshem, translated by Evan Fallenberg, Delacorte Press. Called a "heart-breaking, and haunting first novel." About Israeli combat.~~~~Charlie Wilson's War, the book, by George Crile.~~~~My City by the Sea by Gary Carter, a book of poems that includes "Universal Soldier."~~~~For the Good of the Many, by Gary Carter, a military/political thriler.~~~~Tracings, a chapbook of poetry by Carolyn Howard-Johnson that includes "The War Museum at Oslo." Finishing Line Press. Award of excellence from Military Writers' Society of America.~~~~Support Our Troops, a gift book of patriotic sayings by Eric Dinyer. Published by Andrews-McMeel. Foreword by Carolyn Howard-Johnson. Proceeds to Fisher House.~~~Eugene Richards is also the author of War Is Personal, "a series of phtographic and written essays about people--in and out of the military--whose lives have been changed by the war in Iraq." He is using a $50,000 grant for photography from National Geographic to write it.~~~An occasional newsletter from a veteran who says the subject is "usually conservatively political, patriotic or honors our troops. I am try to include an original poetry or commentary commentary.To subscribe send an email to HancockREMOVE@PoetPatriot.com (REMOVE the "REMOVE") with Subscribe in the SUBJECT field.

Phyllis says, "Producer and director Harris Done of the new documentary WAR DOGS OF THE PACIFIC has preserved an amazing story of the U.S. Marines training donated family pets for scout dogs in the jungle fighting in the Pacific during World War II.

"The dogs' abilities to smell and hear sounds that the men couldn't saved an incredible number of American lives. And the bonds formed between the dogs and their handlers are truly compelling."

I hope you'll go to learn more about this film, pick up links to it and others.

-----

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/. Her novel, collection of creative nonfiction and much of her poetry is informed by interest in leading the world toward acceptance of one another. Find her web page dedicated to tolerance at http://www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/tolerence_and_utah_links.htm. If your Twitter followers would be interested, please pass this on to them using this widget:

Friday, December 11, 2009

What fun! My photographer/poet friend May Lattanzio sent me a link that will benefit writers, contest freaks and people who want to help our soldiers in a fun, personal way. It is a project from AllRecipes.com.

Go for it! -----

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/. Her novel, collection of creative nonfiction and much of her poetry is informed by interest in leading the world toward acceptance of one another. Find her web page dedicated to tolerance at http://www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/tolerence_and_utah_links.htm. If your Twitter followers would be interested, please pass this on to them using this widget:

Monday, December 7, 2009

This blog is a commemoration for this special day by Michael D. "Moon" Mullins, author of Vietnam in Verse, poetry for beer drinkers. "ViV" won the Gold Medal for poetry from Military Writers Society of America in 2007.

December Seventh

Why this day?

Why bomb Pearl Harbor on December seventh?

Why not November twentieth?

Or January eleventh?

Old hearts are at half mast.

That day is not that long ago, that far in their past.

To them the memory is vivid.

It may still make them livid.

Can you imagine being in Eden?

Can you imagine the sun rising in those skies?

Can you imagine a shadow in your eyes?

See the Zeroes flashing by.

That day a sleeping giant did awaken.

On September Eleventh, years later

That giant rumbled, but only raised a bit.

The people back then did not know how to quit.

One thought, one strange irony

Is that day is really Japan’s Independence Day.

It was the first day building toward financial victory.

Who thought history would march that way?

Rather than merely mourn our loss

We should remember the long-term cost

To them and us, still this day.

Our leaders sit on their laurels as our country fritters away.

We need to recall the American will.

We need to strike up the band, no longer standing still.

We wish nobody any serious ill,

But we will not tolerate evil, we cannot just do nil.

The bombs hitting the ground

On that day long ago

Killed many, gave freedom a new sound.

American anger awoke and around the world, it flowed.

Ships lie slumbering in Pearl Harbor.

Our own old vets gather each year to remember.

Try for a moment to feel what they felt.

The freedom we have now was the result.

That paradise became Hell on earth.

It proved our heritage, the old timers’ worth.

When they have all passed away

Will we continue to remember this day?

Will we allow the politically correct

To take this time for our nation’s pause to respect

What they did then and on the days thereafter?

If we do, we no longer deserve to enjoy our laughter.

Please imagine the sounds of thunder

In a blue sky, a shining example of God’s wonder.

Think of stunned people running, with ears ringing,

Then wondering what our future is bringing.

December Seventh.

This day should always be in America’s mind.

Say a prayer for those lost souls.

Say another for September the Eleventh.

Remember the sacrifice, and what God has done.

Mike Mullins' book is available on line from on-line Amazon, B&N, and B-a-M book stores and as an audio-book from the author. Please contact him at this e-mail address; mullins.m.1@comcast.net or via land mail at POB 456 Windfall, In. 46076.Vietnam Veteran, Delta 3/7, 199th Light Infantry, '68-'69. He is also Vice President of the MWSA. One dollar from either version goes to the Wounded Warrior Project.

-----Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/. Her novel, collection of creative nonfiction and much of her poetry is informed by interest in leading the world toward acceptance of one another. Find her web page dedicated to tolerance at http://www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/tolerence_and_utah_links.htm. If your Twitter followers would be interested, please pass this on to them using this widget:

Saturday, November 14, 2009

My husband, US Army (RET, Major, Reserve), says the USO is on the job for the families of the Ford Hood disaster, too. Go here for more information on how they are serving those who serve us. https://www.uso.org/donate/custom.aspx?id=1510& See the prior post for another way to contribute.

-----Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/. Her novel, collection of creative nonfiction and much of her poetry is informed by interest in leading the world toward acceptance of one another. Find her web page dedicated to tolerance at http://www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/tolerence_and_utah_links.htm.

Friday, November 13, 2009

My friend May Lattanzio is at it again. She found this excellent way to bring some cheer (and help!) to hospitalized soldiers this Thanksgiving. Find the site at www.hhv.org. For a look at the therapeutic kits they send go to: http://www.hhv.org/programs/craftkits.asp

Dear Patriotic Friend,

This Thanksgiving, would you like to say “Thank You” to a hospitalized veteran or sick or wounded overseas GI who’s made a painful sacrifice for your freedom? If so, please make a tax-deductible Thanksgiving donation to assist Help Hospitalized Veterans (HHV) in its program to provide more therapeutic Craft Kits to our sick or wounded servicemen and women and hospitalized veterans.

When you donate, a Thanksgiving THANK YOU and GET WELL card will also be delivered on your behalf to one of America's estimated 51,000 veterans who will be hospitalized at a VA or military hospital or State Veterans Nursing Home over the Thanksgiving weekend or to one of the many sick or wounded U.S. servicemen or women who were sent to Iraq or Afghanistan to fight the terrorists.

For over 38 years HHV has been distributing Arts and Crafts Kits free of charge to America’s hospitalized veterans and sick or wounded overseas GIs. HHV delivered 880,000 Gifts to our troops during the Persian Gulf war. And we just presented our 25 millionth Craft Kit to an Army veteran wounded in Iraq.

Many of the hospitalized GIs, like Jantzen Frazier shown above, were wounded while serving our country in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Jantzen received five Purple Heart medals as a result of numerous injuries suffered in Iraq. Even so, he says,

“I have been to Iraq and I have volunteered to go back. I think it is just the right thing to do. I love my country and I would die for it.”

We want to try to make sure we can brighten this year's Thanksgiving holiday weekend for more of our hospitalized heroes like Jantzen Frazier. And that’s why HHV has launched its 2009 Thanksgiving Craft Kit Drive.

With generous donations from patriotic Americans like you, since 1971 HHV has helped provide hundreds of thousands of wounded, sick and disabled hospitalized GIs and military veterans with Arts and Crafts Kits and other gifts that aid their physical, mental and emotional recovery.

These therapeutic Craft Kit gifts help these GIs and veterans keep their minds occupied. They help them develop new skills and overcome the handicap of artificial limbs. And when the kits are completed, these men and women regain a sense of self-confidence.

Faced with physical challenges and long, lonely days in the hospital, these HHV Craft Kits bring pleasure, physical and emotional therapy and purpose into the lives of a great many sick and wounded GIs and veterans.

Many of the young men and women fighting in the war in the Middle East are married with children; others have left sweethearts, parents and friends to serve overseas.

But almost all are lonely and homesick for home, family and friends. That’s why I have to turn to you on behalf of our hospitalized troops and veterans. Being alone with no family or visitors over the four-day Thanksgiving weekend has to be a truly sad and lonely experience.

You and I can enjoy the company of friends and family – carving turkey, playing with our grandchildren and watching football games – because of the sacrifice these men and women made.

But many of our hospitalized heroes won’t experience the same joy that you and I will this Thanksgiving.

And have you noticed that casualties and deaths of our service members in Iraq and Afghanistan that used to be reported on the front page of the newspaper are now shown on the inside pages or not at all? Especially as the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays approach, I don’t want these men and women (or our veterans) feel that they have been forgotten. And I’m sure you don’t either.

That’s why it’s so important to send a special Thanksgiving contribution right now. Your tax-deductible donation to HHV's 2009 Thanksgiving Craft Kit Drive will help us reach our goal of providing a therapeutic HHV Craft Kit to every hospitalized veteran or sick or wounded active-duty GI who wants one.

And your heartfelt THANK YOU and GET WELL card will let a hospitalized GI or veteran know that during the Thanskgiving holiday you'll be thanking them for their sacrifice and remembering them for so bravely defending our freedom.

Please be as generous as you can and consider forwarding a copy of my email to friends so they can also help support our sick and wounded servicemen and women and hospitalized veterans.

Some will want to send a Thanksgiving gift of $24, $40, $56, $80, $120 or even more.

But even if you can only afford to send $8 or $16 it will be a big help in our effort to send Craft Kits to the hospitalized veterans, soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who are asking for them during the Thanksgiving and Christmas Seasons and throughout the year.

I hope you and your loved ones have a Happy Thanksgiving. And I’d like to thank you for supporting patriotic causes as we pitch in to care for our hospitalized veterans and sick or wounded overseas GIs.

Serving those who so unselfishly served for us,

Roger ChapinFounderHelp Hospitalized Veterans

P.S. This Thanksgiving you can thank a hospitalized GI or veteran for your freedom by making a tax-deductible Thanksgiving donation to assist Help Hospitalized Veterans in providing more therapeutic Arts and Crafts Kits to our sick or wounded active-duty troops.

When you donate, a Thanksgiving THANK YOU and GET WELL card will also be delivered to a hospitalized hero on your behalf. Your greeting card can let a lonely, hospitalized veteran or sick or wounded GI know someone still remembers and cares about the sacrifice they've made while wearing our nation's uniform.

Giving America’s hospitalized heroes a gift, as they lie in a VA or military hospital far from home, helps take their minds off their illness or injury and loneliness and concerns about war. But maybe the biggest benefit is that it shows these men and women that Americans are completely united in our support of them.

-----Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/. Her novel, collection of creative nonfiction and much of her poetry is informed by interest in leading the world toward acceptance of one another. Find her web page dedicated to tolerance at http://www.carolynhowardjohnson.redenginepress.com/tolerence_and_utah_links.htm.

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Yesterday was Veteran's Day. My husband and I were driving to the Laemmle Theater in Pasadena to see Skin, a movie set in South Africa during apartheid about (what else?) tolerance. And on the back of a bus was a sign from the military. Seems they have a new motto. I'm doing it from memory but this was the approximage message:

One of the most important acts of courage from a solderi is to get the mental/emotional helps he or she needs.

I hope between the two, those in the military who need help will reach out and get it--both those I know and those I don't. If a doubt has ever crossed your mine that you are depressed, now is the time. It take strength to do it. Together--with support--we are strong.

So how does that relate to tolerance? Any soldier who thinks that getting help will result in criticism or censure will know the answer to that question. Really. It's time for a new way of thinking and loving one another. The strong way. The military way.

If you know someone in the military, please pass this on and ask them to pass it on. It will be a fine post Veteran's Day gift.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Just a quickie here! I thought Phyllis Zimbler Miller's blog might help some of our military and writers use Twitter to do some widespread thanks and get support for your projects.

I just used Twitter to remind people that the wounded soldiers at Fort Hood need blood and that December is always a slow month for blood donations at Red Cross. What better way to spread some holiday love.

Thursday, November 5, 2009

To all my subscribers in central Texas: Wounded soldiers need help! Scott&White Memorial Hospital in Temple,Texas is receiving wounded soldiers from Fort Hood. They are in URGENT need of ALL BLOOD TYPES. Please, if you are in the Fort Hood area go to Scott & White BloodDonorCenter and donate blood as soon as possible, they are in Room 115 next to the McLane DiningRoom in the main hospital. You can contact them at 254-724-4376.

Friday, October 23, 2009

In recognition of your service to our country, all veterans and active duty military personnel are invited to eat free at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill &Bar Restaurants this Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009.

As you may recall, Applebee’s launched a pilot program last year on Veterans Day offering free entrees to military service personnel and veterans. Because the response was so overwhelmingly positive, Applebee’s is extending the invitation throughout the country this year.

All U.S. veterans and active duty military with proof of current or former military service will eat free at all Applebee’s nationwide on Veterans Day, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009. Proof of service includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services, Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform.

Friday, October 16, 2009

My husband sent me this Maxine viral thing that's going around on the Web. I thought you might enjoy it as a reminder that this blog has a segment on it that gives you resources for ways to help our troops inexpensively and thoughtfully. Besides, I just love Maxine. She reminds me of my Aunt Hazel, now deceased. She would have approved!

MinoritiesWe need to show more sympathy for these people. * They travel miles in the heat. * They risk their lives crossing a border. * They don't get paid enough wages. * They do jobs that others won't do or are afraid to do. * They live in crowded conditions among a people who speak a different language. * They rarely see their families, and they face adversity all day ~ every day.

I'm not talking about illegal Mexicans ~ I'm talking about our troops! Doesn't it seem strange that many politicians are willing to lavish all kinds of social benefits on [others], but don't support our troops, and are even threatening to defund them?

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Put visually (or symbolically): subtle intolerance < then > war > human rights violations. The order may not always run that way, but that's my theory and I'll stick to it. Thus, I wanted to do my small part to help publicize this conference sponosred by New York University School of Journalism.

will moderate panelistsThe Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University will host "Reporting Human Rights," a panel discussion hosted by Emma Daly, Communications Director of Human Rights Watch, that includes journalists from the New York Times, BBC News, NBC News, and Al Jazeera, on Tues., Oct. 20, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., at NYU Stern School of Business, Schimmel Auditorium, Tisch Hall, UC-50, 40 West 4th Street (at Greene St.).

The panel will include: Neil MacFarquhar, United Nations correspondent for the New York Times and author of The Media Relations Department of Hizbollah Wishes You a Happy Birthday; Katty Kay, Washington correspondent for BBC World News America and co-author of Womenomics: Write Your Own Rules For Success; Khaled Dawoud, New York correspondent for Al Jazeera Arabic; and NBC News correspondent Ron Allen, who has reported from Iraq, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

I know that many of you who follow this blog are not only history buffs but military history buffs. Gosh, but I'm smart! Therefore, I thought you'd be interested in Paul Bruno's radio show, the History Czar - All History, All the Time!

Of further interest is that Military Writers Society of America president is featured there this week. She recorded on 10/09/09. She is the author of In The Shadow Of Suribachi, a novel about her father's experiences at the battle of Iwo Jima! Her website is www.losingpatience.com.

11/13/09 - Colonel Charles Young the first African- American to reach the rank of Colonel in the U.S. Army biographer, Dr. David Kilroy of Nova Southeastern University.

11/20/09 - Flying B-17's during World War II with Captain William Terminello U.S. Air Force (Ret.).

12/11/09 - Guy in the Back (GIB) Lt. Peter Gilespie U.S. Air Force (Ret.) tells History Czar listeners all about the F4 Phantom!

12/18/09 - History of Aviation with Blair Smith!

=====Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

I have a new series going at my New Book Review blog. Well, sort of a series. I wanted to pass forward the joy of being honored by the Military Writers Society of America for my chapbook of poetry Tracings. The 2009 batch of award winners are up and Colonel Michael “Mike” Angley is one of them.

Mike's award-winning book is the Child Finder Trilogy. He retired from the Air Force in 2007 following a 25-year career as a Special Agent with the Office of Special Investigations (OSI). He held 13 different assignments throughout the world, among which were five tours as a Commander of various units, to include two Air Force Squadrons and a Wing. He is a seasoned criminal investigator and a counterintelligence and counterterrorism specialist. His debut novel, Child Finder, received the Silver Medal for Fiction in the 2009 Military Writers Society of America’s Annual Awards program. Child Finder features a USAF Special Agent protagonist, and it gets its inspiration from Angley’s long, multifaceted career.

So, won't you go by and read the review of his book at http://www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com? Leave him a comment. I know he'd love to feel the love.

-----Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Monday, August 31, 2009

Last week I recieved a note in my e-mail box from Joyce, a subscriber to my Sharing with Writers newsletter. I had mentioned this blog and she said, "Great newsletter, Carolyn--of course, that is "normal" for you :-) Your WarPeaceTolerance blog mention reminded me about a link I'd been meaning to send you. Are you familiar with www.AnySoldier.com? Aaron, Shane and I just "adopted" a small troop of medics there. It looks like a great organization." So, naturally, I asked her to tell us all about it, as a guest blogger. Here's what she said.

I'm not sure what you want for your blog exactly, but let's see what I can do. Being at the beginning of this , I don't have a lot of personal experience to share--yet. As for writing info, you can mention my name if you want, but my writing, while full of the tolerance message, really doesn't "fit". That's okay--this is about the soldiers, not me.

How does the following sound? Pick and choose what you think your readers may respond to best.

A senior officer speaks for his troops. At the ripe old age of 21 years, he feels responsible for for those under his command.

"The everyday items we often take for granted--soap, toothpaste, female products--are few and far between here. On the rare occasions we have these, books, videos and games to help us forget what is going on around us are welcome gifts. I try to make this as much of a family as possible as right now this is our family. Word from home is so infrequent, yet the smallest thing can keep us going for days. Something as simple as snacks or lemonade mix can bring a taste of home."

As the war in Iraq drags on, many of our men and women find themselves exactly where this man is--far from home and longing for a kind word, a small item that we often take for granted and most of all the knowledge that someone still cares. This is where AnySoldier.com comes in.

First, I must state that the Army is not the only military branch represented here. All branches are represented.

The idea of this site is for individuals, families, even organizations to "adopt" a unit. The contact person for each unit will see that anything sent is given where it is most needed--a card or letter to someone who may never receive mail, hygiene items to those who have none, etc... The contact person is not some fashionably-dressed person sitting in an office somewhere, but an actual soldier right in the middle of the war.

The main site allows a person to search for a unit that feels "right". You can choose by branch, state, length of time the unit still has before coming home. Maybe a certain type of unit--such as medics--grabs your heart. With the literally thousands of our sons and daughters represented, there is sure to be at least one group that is a fit for you.

Cost is a factor many feel is a deterrent. This need not be a factor either. Some of these units want nothing more than regular cards and letters. A small packet of paper and pens--or a book or two to read. There is no required limit to how much or little you can send--it is your choice, depending on what you are comfortable with.

The US post office helps also. Postage is only required to either NY or CA, whichever is closest to your location. There are flat rate boxes and envelopes that can be mailed--if it fits, it is shipped--weight isn't factored in unless it is over 70 pounds.

There is now even special flat rate boxes specifically for military use. These cost less than the regular ones (approximately $11.50 for the largest one). That's less than forty cents a day if you send a package each month--even less if you send an actual package every other month and a letter here and there in between. The rewards, however, are beyond measure.

So, thank you, Joyce. Won't you sally on over to http://anysoldier.com and help. When help feels personal, it is lots more fun. -----Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

I thought I'd let you see some poetry by a Vietnam Vet who is still struggling with the physical results of that war. Poetry, for him, is an approach to leading a better and more creative life. See below the poem for his mini biography.

Another Sunrise

The sun has risen, about two hours high.

Another Sunday’s light shines in my eyes;

This day I promised an hour to the Lord.

Hmmm; is it an hour I can really afford?

By gum, I’d better roll out, better get up!

I owe the Lord for a whole lot of stuff.

Just last week I’d been wondering why

Good things happen to the undeserving

...such as I.

Too often folks see a casual Christian

When they hear me talk and laugh.

I am, but God knows my true mind.

Nothing escapes his all-seeing eyes.

Deep inside I see the hidden me, aware

That I am never all I should be… ever.

Laughter can chide the troubled soul.

It can also help it become a whole

….or so say I.

Our Lord blesses me; I feel His truth.

My friends, my church, my family too

Are all parts of His gifts to me, here.

In my pain they wipe away tears.

When I am laughing it is often at me.

It may be in that moment I feel free.

I share the serious things there too.

I even share my weakness with You.

…only at sunrise. Mike Mullins, 8/25/09

Michael D. "Moon" Mullins, is the author of "Vietnam in Verse, poetry for beer drinkers." "ViV" won the Gold Medal for poetry, 2007, from the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA). The book is available on line from on-line Amazon, B&N, and B-a-M book stores.

It is available as an audio-book from the author. Please contact Mike at this e-mail address; mullins.m.1@comcast.net or via land mail at POB 456 Windfall, In. 46076.Vietnam Veteran, Delta 3/7, 199th Light Infantry, '68-'69.

One dollar from either version goes to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Mullins is also Vice President of the MWSA.

------

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Just a quickie here. My friend May Lattanzio send me this link for patriotic poetry. As a poet, I naturally think we should all be reading more of it. (-: The site also includes patriotic music. Anyone for a march?

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Saturday, July 4, 2009

This is a special day. It is a Fourth of July to end all fourths for me because today my grandson who returned from two tours of duty in Iraq is finding happiness by marrying his sweetheart at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs.

Thanks to my writing friend Yvonne Perry for suggesting that I post this on this blog. It makes a perfect celebratory wish for him and for all our troops on this day.

-----Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Sunday, June 28, 2009

My great researcher friend May Lattanzio (she is also a poet and photographer!) send me this link. You'll want to go if only for the looks of the site. But also look what they do for our deployed troops: http://www.soldierassist.com/

------Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Raff Ellis is faithful reader of both this blog and my Sharing with Writers newsltter (www.howtodoitfrugally.com). He remembered the letter I just published (scroll down) and offered to write a rebuttle to the myth that other countries (and religions?) hate us because we are free. Whenever he contributes to any of my blogs he is always thoughtful and literate. Thank you, Raff.

Why do they really hate us?

The previous post on this blog reprinted comments made by Judge William Young when sentencing the notorious “shoe bomber,” Richard Reid. This quote has been passed around the Internet for several years—consider that the trial concluded just 15 months after 9-11, and patriotic outrage was still at fever pitch. Although the Judge’s sentiments are admirable and well intended, I feel they erroneously perpetuate the myth that our enemies “hate us for our freedoms,” a mantra which has been used by the far right-wing elements in our society in order to justify all sorts of illegal and unconstitutional behaviors—which have given our country an international “black eye.”

But, do America’s enemies covet ours freedoms? Let’s examine history to see if there might be a more compelling motive at work here.

When Italy invaded Ethiopia in 1935, it had nothing to do with jealousy of the Ethiopian polity. Italy, like other Europeans before them, simply wanted their share of colonial Africa.

When Germany invaded France at the start of WWII, it was not because it hated the freedoms that the French enjoyed, but because it was anxious to dominate Europe. In fact Germany despised France as having a feeble and profligate society.

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, it was not because they coveted American democracy, which they in fact despised as being weak and inferior, but because they were hell-bent upon military conquest, and securing the raw materials they needed for industrial expansion.

As the above examples illustrate, there seems to be no historical precedence to show that a nation attacked another because it was envious of its form of government, except of course, if we are to believe the party line for September 11, 2001.

Isn't it a joke, actually, to think that the World Trade Center was attacked by a small group of people jealous of our way of life? Especially when one considers the alleged attackers were such fervent believers in a fundamentalist form of their Islamic religion that they were willing to sacrifice their lives to strike a blow against a nation they considered to be the "great Satan."

No, it wasn't envy of our freedoms but hatred of our policies that drove them to this dastardly act. They felt they had legitimate, un-redressed grievances against the United States for its years of meddling in their respective countries' geographic sphere. Certainly a catalog of such complaints could be compiled, but no matter how large the anthology of grievances, it did not justify the taking of nearly 3,000 innocent lives on 9-11.

The previous administration and its assemblage of policymakers perpetrated a fraud against the American public by shifting the focus of attention ― from their inability or unwillingness to secure diplomatic progress in the trouble spots of the world ― to the victims of those failures. "They hate our freedoms" is simply a way of appealing to innate, chauvinistic tendencies that lurk in the American culture. After all, who could be against fighting for our freedoms?

It is said that politics makes strange bedfellows but, alas, so does war. Afghanistan is a good example. The Afghani warlords, whom we have bribed to work with us, are only marginally less despotic or cruel than their predecessors, the Taliban, but they still harbor the same cultural revulsions for democracy.

So, our leaders in Washington, flushed with the “success” of exporting democracy to Afghanistan, ran pell-mell into executing the same strategy with Iraq, an adventure that has cost over 4,000 American military lives and created untold hundreds of thousands of innocent civilian casualties.

I’m the first to understand that one cannot help but grow weary of having to read about dying and wounded soldiers in far off places, as shown by the relegation of such news to the back pages of our newspapers. But, we must keep our guard up and not succumb to the repetition of propaganda, because that will lead to further abuses. We must not ignore our veterans and their lousy health care and shrinking benefits. Nor should we abstain from thinking about our diminished Bill of Rights. There are too many serious problems to think about such as the economy, unemployment, and health care. It would be nice if we could glibly pass off why so many people around the globe hate us with a slogan.

Let’s ask ourselves why we have troops stationed in 135 countries out of 192 total around the globe? Shouldn’t we question why we’ve become a nation with a military-industrial complex that spends eleven times more on “defense” than 2nd place China (which has 4.5 times our population)? Perhaps this perceived hatred has something to do with our abysmal record of interfering in the affairs of their countries?

Our meddling hypocrisy and our strutting about claiming to have the greatest system of government in the world would certainly justify a modicum of animosity. We have never really exported democracy, and all through the 20th Century we overthrew democratically elected governments in favor of dictatorships all around the globe.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Saturday, June 20, 2009

Not to get political (sure!) but the copy and paste from my e-mail box that I am posting today is a reminder that our soil is in fact the best place to try and keep terrorists. Obama has it right. He knows our judiciary system. That system does make mistakes occasionally. And sometimes when it does there are severe ramifications. But our system still does it better than any (most?) and if we can't trust it, we need to reconsider what our soldiers are fighting for. Please read it all the way through before you get ticked off and please notice the words in bold. The bold is mine. Those words are about tolerance. Notice the shades of Lincoln's Gettysburg address here, too. I'm thinking about it and I hope others will, too.

Subject: Remember the Shoe Bomber?-- you have got to read this...

Remember the guy who got on a plane with a bomb built into his shoe and tried to light it?

Did you read what the judge said at his sentencing back then?

Ruling by Judge William Young, US District Court.

Prior to sentencing, the Judge asked the defendant, Richard Reid, if he had anythingto say. His response:

After admitting his guilt to the court for the record, Reid also admitted his "allegiance to Osama bin Laden, to Islam, and to the religion of Allah," defiantly stating, "I think I will not apologize for my actions," and told the court "I am at war with your country."

On counts 1, 5 and 6 the Court sentences you to life in prison in the custody of the United States Attorney General... On counts 2, 3, 4 and 7, the Court sentences you to 20 years in prison on each count, the sentence on each count to run consecutively.(That's 80 years.)

On count 8 the Court sentences you to the mandatory 30 years again, tobe served consecutively to the 80 years just imposed. The Court imposes upon youfor each of the eight counts a fine of $250,000 that's an aggregate fine of $2 million. The Court accepts the government's recommendation with respect to restitution and orders restitution in the amount of $298.17 to Andre Bousquet and $5,784 to American Airlines...The Court imposes upon you an $800 special assessment.The Court imposes upon you five years supervised release simply because the law requires it. But the life sentences are real life sentences so I need go no further.

This is the sentence that is provided for by our statutes. It is a fair and justsentence. It is a righteous sentence.

Now, let me explain this to you. We are not afraid of you or any of your terrorist co-conspirators, Mr. Reid. We are Americans. We have been through the fire before. There is too much war talk here and I say that to everyone with the utmost respect. Here in this court, we deal with individuals as individuals and care forindividuals as individuals. As human beings, we reach out for justice.

You are not an enemy combatant. You are a terrorist. You are not a soldier in anywar. You are a terrorist. To give you that reference, to call you a soldier, gives you far too much stature. Whether the officers of government do it or your attorney does it, or if you think you are a soldier, you are not----- you are a terrorist.

And we do not negotiate with terrorists. We do not meet with terrorists. We do not sign documents with terrorists. We hunt them down one by one and bring them to justice.

So war talk is way out of line in this court. You are a big fellow. But you are not that big. You're no warrior. I've known warriors. You are a terrorist---a species of criminal that is guilty of multiple attempted murders. In a very real sense, StateTrooper Santiago had it right when you first were taken off that planeand into custody and you wondered where the press and the TV crewswere, and he said: 'You're no big deal.'

You are no big deal.

What your able counsel and what the equally able United States attorneys have grappled with and what I have, as honestly as I know how, tried to grapple with is why you did something so horrific. What was it that led you here to this courtroom today?

I have listened respectfully to what you have to say. And I ask you to searchyour heart and ask yourself what sort of unfathomable hate led you to do what you are guilty and admit you are guilty of doing? And, I have an answer for you. It may not satisfy you, but as I search this entire record, it comes as close to understanding as I know.

It seems to me you hate the one thing that to us is most precious. You hate our freedom. Our individual freedom. Our individua freedom to live as we choose, to come and go as we choose, to believe or not believe as we individually choose. Here, in this society, the very wind carries freedom. It carries it everywhere from sea to shining sea. It is because we prize individual freedom so much that you are here in this beautiful courtroom. So that everyone can see, truly see, that justice is administered fairly, individually, and discreetly. It is for freedom's sake that your lawyers are striving so vigorously on your behalf, have filed appeals, will go on in their representation of you before other judges.

We Americans are all about freedom. Because we all know that the way we treat you, Mr. Reid, is the measure of our own liberties. Make no mistake though. It is yet true that we will bear any burden; pay any price, to preserve our freedoms.

Look around this courtroom. Mark it well. The world is not going to long remember what you or I say here. The day after tomorrow, it will be forgotten, but this, however, will long endure.

Here in this courtroom and courtrooms all across America , the Americanpeople will gather to see that justice, individual justice, justice, not war, individual justice is in fact being done... The very President of the United States through his officers will have to come into courtrooms and lay out evidence onwhich specific matters can be judged and juries of citizens will gather to sit and judge that evidence democratically, to mold and shape and refine our sense of justice.

See that flag, Mr. Reid? That's the flag of the United States of America . That flag will fly there long after this is all forgotten. That flagstands for freedom. And it always will.

Mellissa Kissead's poetry comes from whatever inspires her. She says, "It could be social or economic events, relationships or my children. It always has meaning and comes from within. I have written poetry since I was a child and it has always helped me express my innermost feelings when it was too difficult to articulate." Please find more of her work on my Web site. at http://www.melissakesead.com or at http://www.writerscafe.org/writers/MelissaKesead/

=====Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Monday, June 15, 2009

Because I am a political animal, I get up in arms about the problems I see our troops and veterans face and this blog sometimes gets a little help-the-troops heavy rather than focusing on the root problem of war--intolerance. Today I have a guest blogger--and editor, fine writer and thinker--who will rectify that imbalance a bit. Please meet Jozette Aaron and respond to her essay:

Fighting the War Within

By Jozette Aaron

Reading the newspaper recently has been more like a chore than something I enjoy doing while having my coffee in the morning. I am hard put to find any good news, especially in light of the upsurge in hate crimes and racism in the U.S. The media calls it "a perfect storm" with the election of a black president, the recession, gay marriage and the gun law controversy. There are those out there that are less tolerant of change, those who internalize these feelings until something triggers those feelings and they boil over in an uncontrollable rage.

Change is what has made America the country it is today; has helped it to evolve and grow strong in the face of adversity. I never thought I'd live to see a black president in the white house but I did and for that, hope springs eternal; the hope that we would tighten the threads that hold us together as a nation, accept our differences as blessings for the chance to learn new cultures and new ways of experiencing our lives.

Our children and their children are our future leaders and much rests on their innocent shoulders. I have to remain optimistic that children who are bought up in the racial bias of their parents and taught to hate those different from themselves will, as adults, reject this mindset and accept all differences as part of the natural order of things.

While society accepts, in the name of free speech, and gives voice to all those who would drag our society, as a whole, through the mud, it is racism dressed up in many different outfits that fuel these voices.

We are fighting two wars in foreign lands, dealing with the threat of a nuclear incident as well as the infighting in our own government. The hope is that we, as Americans, can win the battle against differences and learn to live together in peace for peace is not something that will come from without…only from within.

------Jozette Aaron is the editor and publisher of DeSilva’s News...a tool writers rely on to meet their creative needs. Subscribers benefit from free promotion and marketing of their books, columns by successful, well known writers such as Carolyn Howard-Johnson and other writers wanting to share their expertise. DeSilva's News offers the latest information on where to find free courses, writer’s resources and calls for submissions; is chocked full of links to valuable information for your writing success. Sign up by visiting Jozette's Desk; every new subscriber receives a free e-Book - Writing Success Secrets.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Friday, June 5, 2009

I try to stay positive with messages on this blog, but there are times when one just must speak out--vehemently. Now is the time.

Our airwaves are carrying way too much obscene material and I am not talking about sex and dirty words. I'm talking about vile intolerance. By now we should all have some idea that intolerance is at the root of the world's problems--from time immemorial. The major negative influence in the world--some would say evil--is intolerance. That includes 9/11 and other acts of terrorism and all of the world's errors (too many wars to count, certainly, but all of the ones I am old enough to remember certainly were results of bigotry, lack of understanding and worse). Some of our popular (with some people) radio and TV hosts are the worst, yet we continue--presumably in the name of free speech and free press-- to let them exist. In fact we gladly give them podiums to stand on so they can destroy our culture.

As long as they are allowed to spew their venom, their audiences will grow and with that growth their ratings and wealth. We should be at least as watchful about this danger to our society as we are about nudity and sex. Here is a rundown of one of the incidents along with links where you can go to register your complaint.

Recently Bill Handel on KFI - suggested reducing the U.S. population to save the government money. Then came a wisecrack about starting with the Armenians and selling Glendale. So far, it’s just tacky, and par for the shock-radio course. One person who heard this called and e-mailed to complain. The upshot? The e-mail was read and mocked again no surprises. But then came “What the Turks started, Bill will finish.” Imagine if similar comments were made against Jews or Blacks! They would turn the world upside down until they got justice! It's time we do the same and stop being so passive. If you are truly offended by this, then take 10 minutes out of your day and do something about it.

You’ll certainly want to hear the two clips. Unfortunately, you can’t hear the real offender off KFI’s website. Why? They’ve taken down that show from their website. Hmm, wonder why that is. Fortunately, they were downloaded ahead of time and are now available at: http://www.burbankanc.org/KFI.mp3

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Saturday, May 2, 2009

I have no idea if this is a true story--but it is a lovely one. It came to me in my e-mail, as so many stories do these days. Because no credit was given, I am publishing it anonymously because I think it is so important and because I think the author would intended for it to be passed around. I'm including a story of my own. The first one is mine. The second is the story (history?) of Taps.

Bob was my beloved first uncle. He served in WWII as a bomber pilot and died what seems to be yesterday at, I believe 81. Just before the funeral someone from his community (Ashland, OR) called to ask if Bob was a veteran. The answer, of course, "Yes."

"Then may I come by to play taps?"

That answer, of course, "Yes."

The bugler, acting on his own, stood an appropriate distance behind the graveside service so the sound was faint but so clear in the high Ashland altitude.

The universe takes good care of us all when we are sending out the right energy, just as it did this Union soldier. It is all about acceptance, after all.

Love, Carolyn

> > If any of you have ever been to a military funeral> in which taps were played; this brings out a new meaning of> it.> > Here is something Every American should know. Until I> read this, I didn't know, but I checked it out and> it's true:> > We in the United States have all heard the haunting> song, 'Taps.' It's the song that gives us that> lump in our throats and usually tears in our eyes.> > But, do you know the story behind the song? If not,> I think you will be interested to find out about its humble> beginnings.> > Reportedly, it all began in 1862 during the Civil> War, when Union Army Captain Robert Ellicombe was with his> men near Harrison 's Landing in Virginia . The> Confederate Army was on the other side of the narrow strip> of land.> > During the night, Captain Ellicombe heard the moans> of a soldier who lay severely wounded on the field. Not> knowing if it was a Union or Confederate soldier, the> Captain decided to risk his life and bring the stricken man> back for medical attention Crawling on his stomach through> the gunfire, the Captain reached the stricken soldier and> began pulling him toward his encampment.> > When the Captain finally reached his own lines, he> discovered it was actually a Confederate soldier, but the> soldier was dead.> > The Captain lit a lantern and suddenly caught his> breath and went numb with shock. In the dim light, he saw> the face of the soldier. It was his own son. The boy had> been studying music in the South when the war broke out. > Without telling his father, the boy enlisted in the> Confederate Army.> > The following morning, heartbroken, the father asked> permission of his superiors to give his son a full military> burial, despite his enemy status. His request was only> partially granted.> > The Captain had asked if he could have a group of> Army band members play a funeral dirge for his son at the> funeral.> > The request was turned down since the soldier was a> Confederate.> > But, out of respect for the father, they did say they> could give him only one musician.> > The Captain chose a bugler. He asked the bugler to> play a series of musical notes he had found on a piece of> paper in the pocket of the dead youth's uniform.> > This wish was granted.> > The haunting melody, we now know as 'Taps'> used at military funerals was born.> > The words are:> Day is done.> Gone the sun.> From the lakes> From the hills.> From the sky.> All is well.> Safely rest.> God is nigh.> > > Fading light.> Dims the sight.> And a star.> Gems the sky.> Gleaming bright.> From afar.> Drawing nigh.> Falls the night.> > Thanks and praise.> For our days.> Neath the sun> Neath the stars.> Neath the sky.> As we go.> This we know.> God is nigh> > I too have felt the chills while listening to> 'Taps' but I have never seen all the words to the> song until now. I didn't even know there was more than> one verse . I also never knew the story behind the song and> I didn't know if you had either so I thought I'd> pass it along.> > I now have an even deeper respect for the song than I> did before.

Anonymous (I will happily credit if anyone claims it.)> >

Those of you who are regular visitors to this blog will notice that you can now follow and your little avatar will appear front and foremost on the blog. I welcome you.------

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Friday, May 1, 2009

Looking for contacts to active members of the Jewish War Veterans organization. I'm going to be in New Orleans the same week in August that the JWV is having its convention there.

I want to make a presentation on my project www.OperationSupportJewsintheMilitary.com, but I'm having problems getting anyone at JWV headquarters to get back to me. Anybody have any contacts that might be helpful? pzmiller@millermosaicllc.com

------

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Thank you to author and Facebook pal Bob Kellemen for bringing this to my attention.

-------

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Sunday, April 12, 2009

Yay, Navy Seals! Yay Maersk crew! Yay everyone who contributed! I am feeling positive. It seems as if the US has turned around and we can look to good times again, a time to proud.

Speaking of proud, my soldier grandson is home from his second tour of Iraq and will marry July 4. The reception will be at the chapel at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado.

-----Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Sunday, April 5, 2009

While Denzel Washington was visiting in Germany he toured Fisher Houses. Many of us know about the good this house does by supporting the families of wounded soldiers. I have a book out (Support Our Troops published my Andrew McMeel) that supports this charity with the profits it makes. But back to Denzel.

As he was touring, he asked how much a faclity like this would cost to build. He wrote a check for the full amount on the spot. The soldiers overseas were amazed to hear this story and want to get the word out to the American public. I borrowed this story from an e-mail that has been going around but I thought it important. In these times, it seems those who can afford to do good, should try to do more of it to fill the shortfall caused by the inability of many who have lost their jobs to do what they usually do. Hooray for Denzel.

-----Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Friday, April 3, 2009

Send a Calling Card to Our Heroes! More than 178,000 American troops are deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

These brave men and women continue to risk their lives to protect us and our country.

We are proud of our armed services personnel.

We also know that this year our troops will celebrate Easter and Passover at their dangerous posts — far from home, but close to our hearts.

Give a service member a Calling Card for Easter — Go Here Now

Newsmax is pleased to launch this year its "Operation Easter Calls for the Troops."

AT&T Military Exchange Global Prepaid Phone Card

We plan to send AT&T telephone calling cards to troops serving on the front lines of freedom so they can call their families and loved ones for free during this holiday season.

AT&T has set up special phone stations near all major deployments in the Mideast. Phone access for our troops is easy, but calls home remain expensive.

AT&T offers special AT&T Global PrePaid Cards which can be sent to military personnel.

Our troops can use these gift cards to call their friends, family, and loved ones. It will be a special moment for them — and one you can give to show your support for these heroic troops — Go Here Now.

Newsmax is asking its readers to join with us to buy AT&T's "Military Exchange 300 Cards" for as many service members as we can. Each calling card costs $18 and gives each recipient 80 minutes in call time from Iraq, Afghanistan and Kuwait to the U.S.

All money Newsmax raises will be used to buy as many AT&T's "Military Exchange 300 Cards" as possible.

The American Red Cross will distribute these calling cards to our troops.

Newsmax makes no profit from the sale of these cards. All proceeds go to the purchase of cards for our troops.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

My writing and photography friend May Lattanzio sent me this link of Oscar Brand singing his Marine song and others. Those of you who are too young to remember Oscar and his blatantly Un-PC songs, must check it out! Others will get a good laugh and be glad for how far we've come in terms of tolerance while keeping a sense of humor for the way we were.

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

------Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

I have attended my share of military graduations. My husband's OCS graduation in Utah. My grandson's boot camp in North Carolina, my cousin's graduation from the Seals in San Diego.

I am one of the lucky ones. Many families can't afford to travel to do that. But someone is trying to help with that. These graduations are one of life's proud moments. Parents, wives, and other loved ones should be there to share the joy no matter what the financial circumstances. Please take a minute to click here for information on the program from the author of Mrs. Lieutenant.

Or copy and paste:http://mrslieutenant.blogspot.com/2009/03/marine-boot-camp-graduation-help-send.html

------

Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Saturday, February 28, 2009

But the most disgusting of them arrived in my e-mail box this morning. The subject line was simply SGT so naturally I opened it. If you get one, you can open it if you want but I wouldn't. I found it more repulsive than all the stuff that comes out of Nigeria and all the Viagara and organ englarging ploys I get put together. It not only plays on innocents for money from the unsuspecting but it uses our military and our soldiers to do it. Here is the message minus anything that would help advertise the scammers.

I hope my email find you well. I am in need of your assistance. My name is Sgt.

XXX (here is inserted a very American name, if I ever heard one!). I am an American soldier serving in the 1st Armored Division in Iraq, we have just been posted out of Iraq and to return in a short while. My colleague and I need your help to transfer out the sum of Twenty Five Million U.S Dollars (US25.0M).

God Bless You!!Sgt XXXXXe-mail address XXXX

If you want to help soldiers, there are ways to do it and make sure your money, time and good will are going to deserving soldiers. Find segments on this blog, as an example, for organizations that help our soldiers and little, inexpensive ways you can help. And if you know of organizations that help our veterans and active military, please let me know. I'll add those resources to this blog.

------Carolyn Howard-Johnson wrote the foreword for Eric Dinyer's book of patriotic quotations, Support Our Troops, published by Andrews McMeel. Part of the proceeds for the book benefit Fisher House. Her chapbook of poetry won the Military Writers Society of America's award of excellence. Find it at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1599240173/

Here's How to Help Our Soldiers--Now

~~The Philadelphia Veterans Multi-Service & Education Center, Inc, 215 923 VETS (or go to http://www.pvmsec.org/). Ed Lowry, 215-8970-5233, will tell you how to help a program in a community where 30% of the homesless are vets.

~~You may send a greeting (think Christmas, get well or just plain good wishes!) to an injured soldier

~~Move-On is helping the USO to provide thousands of phone cards to servicemen and women stationed in Iraq, Afghanistan, and around the world, so that they can call their friends, family and loved ones this holiday season. Give $15 to buy a phone card for our troops? Click here for information:

~~It's now cheaper to send items to APO and FPO addresses. Order free shipping boxes online. Ask for APO FPO rates at the post office. The boxes will be available online Feb. 20 at http://www.usps.com/supplies, or by calling (800) 610-8734.

~~My soldier in Iraq says that the windshield reflectors many of us use in the summer to protect our dashboards from cracking, our hands from burning on the steering wheel and our bottoms from baking on leather seats are a boon to soldiers suffering Iraqi heat, too. I saw some at the 99 cent store. (-:

~~Get your soldier a bore cleaning kit free of charge with the project Bore Snake. http://www.projectboresnake.com/moreinfo.html. It will save him or her time and assure that their weapons are taken care of. Find guidelines or how to get one on the site.

Overheard . . .

Quotations on Our Military -- Without Comment

~~Reported by the Homelessness Research Institute:Veterans are homeless: Vets represent only 11% of the cvilian adult popularion but 26% of the homeless population. The report asks for screening to learn which soldiers are at risk as they leave the service and for emergency grants for those who actually do fall behind on their rent. Write your congressman for support of this recommendation.

~~From Time Magazine:Nearly 1/2 million veterans were on the streets or in shelters in 2006.

~~From Nancy Gibbs, Time Magazine Essay"Private charity can't replace a public commitment to finish what we start, do do the long, hard, expensive work of making soldiers whole when they come home."

Notes on Tolerance . . .

Tolerance, or the lack of it, is at the root of every conceivable ill that befalls our country and others . . .

~~John McCain in response to a complaint that open borders "will destroy this country. . . " said, ". . . on the larger issue you raise, I believe the people who have come here [legally] from other countries . . . are our greatest strength." `Time Magazine, Dec. 10, 2007, page 33.

~~From Time Magazine:"Unholy Fantasy~The Catholic League called for a boycott of the film The Golden Compass, saying it promotes atheism. The league previously boycotted The Da Vinci Code."

~~At the Casden Institute at the University of Southern California (USC): Sen. Russell D. Feingold (D-WS) noted that embracing strangers or outsiders is a tenet emphasized in the Torah. He urged particular tolerance for American minorities including blacks, Latinos, and Arabs and Muslims.

~~Tammy Faye Messner (Baker) passed away in 2007. She said "I refuse to label . . . . We're all just people made out of the same old dirt, and God didn't make any junk."

~~J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series is a compendium of 4,200 pages about tolerance. Now, after the last has been written, she says, "I did not set out to convert anyone . . . . It's perfectly possible to live a very moral life without a belief in God, and I think it's perfectly possible to live a life peppered with ill-doing and believe in God."

~~"It takes a total shift in perception to realize that you are not in the world, the world is in you." ~ Deepak Chopra

~~"It's about people being two things at once, like Italian Americans or Chinese Americans. He's (Pope Bendict) interested in that idea of coexistence." ~ Raphaela Schmid, Becket Fund for Religious Liberty (Time, April 14, 2008)